SIX more police officers attached to the Temerloh District Police Headquarters (IPD) have been remanded for seven days beginning today, as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) widens its investigation into alleged bribery involving kratom (ketum)-related offences.
The remand order, which extends until 6 August, was issued by Magistrate Khamisah Ismail following a formal request by MACC officials at the Temerloh Magistrate’s Court at around 10:45am.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, the officers—aged between 30 and 50—were detained after presenting themselves for questioning at the MACC Temerloh branch at approximately 9pm last night.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects arrested five individuals during an operation in Temerloh this past May for allegedly possessing kratom-based drinks,” said the source.
“One of the officers is believed to have received a cash bribe of RM12,000 via an intermediary acting on behalf of the five detainees.”
The payment was allegedly made to ensure no further legal action was taken against the individuals involved in the kratom offence.
Pahang MACC Director Mohd Shukor Mahmud confirmed the arrest of the six officers and stated that the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.
This latest development follows the arrest earlier this week of two active-duty officers—an Assistant Superintendent (ASP) and an Inspector—along with a retired Sergeant Major. The trio is suspected of receiving up to RM110,000 in monthly payments to protect the operations of kratom sellers and drug distributors in the area.
The MACC has pledged to intensify efforts to root out corruption within enforcement agencies, particularly in cases where public safety and the integrity of law enforcement are at stake. - July 31, 2025